discourage
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
discourages;
discouraged;
discouraging
discourages;
discouraged;
discouraging
Britannica Dictionary definition of DISCOURAGE
[+ object]
1
:
to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident
— often used (be/get) discouraged
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Try not to let losing discourage you.
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We were discouraged by their lack of enthusiasm.
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Students may get discouraged by activities that are too advanced.
2
a
:
to make (something) less likely to happen
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The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.
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He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.
b
:
to try to make people not want to do (something)
—
opposite encourage
-
The purpose of the law is to discourage [=deter] speeding.
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That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.
◊ To discourage (someone) from doing (something) is to tell or advise someone not to do something.
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His parents discouraged him from watching too much television. [=told him he should not watch too much television]
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They discouraged her from going. [=they told her why she should not go]
— discouraged
adjective [more discouraged; most discouraged]-
The team's losing streak has left many fans feeling hopeless and discouraged. [=downhearted, disheartened]
